Over 250 pregnant women and residents of the Sheratti Kabusa community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) benefited from free delivery kits, eye screenings, and medical care during a maternal and child health initiative organised by the Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather).
Several pregnant women and men benefited from the club’s two-in-one medical outreach programme, which included eye screenings, free eyeglasses, surgeries for individuals requiring operations, birth kits, mosquito nets for expectant mothers, and antenatal care services.
Nursing mothers also received delivery bags containing essential items such as cotton wool, sanitary pads, and scissors.
Speaking at the event, the president of the Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather), Rtn. Abiodun Yahaya Oyebanji said, “In the Rotary family, July is the month dedicated to maternal and child health, and it marks the beginning of our Rotary year.
“We are here in our adopted community, Kabusa Sheratti, with a full medical team to offer free health screenings and to distribute delivery kits to pregnant and expectant mothers.”
He explained that each delivery kit contains basic materials such as medications, scissors, and other essential supplies needed during childbirth.
Oyebanji further stated that the outreach comprised a two-in-one project focusing on Maternal and Child Health, and disease prevention and treatment, particularly eye care.
“We are conducting the eye care intervention in three stages. The primary stage involves examinations. The secondary stage addresses those who need medications or eyeglasses.
“And the tertiary stage caters to those who need surgery, which will be done at Asokoro District Hospital for vulnerable individuals in our adopted community, fully paid for by the Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather),” he said.
According to him, the club was restoring people’s sight because many suffer due to undiagnosed issues that can be rectified if detected early.
Despite being out of the country, the community service director of the Rotary Club of Abuja, (The Grandfather) Rtn. Iyiade-Oyewumi Adebimpe said in a phone conversation,
“Distance did not stop me from being part of this. When it comes to service, we show up in person or spirit until lives are touched and communities are transformed.
“Although I may be miles away, my heart is right here in Sheratti Abuja with every mother, every child, and every beneficiary of today’s outreach. Rotary is about service beyond borders, and it brings me joy to know we’re making a difference where it matters most,” she said.
She appreciated the team on the ground for executing the project excellently and reaffirmed her commitment to more impactful service projects throughout the Rotary year.
Also, the assistant community service director of the Rotary Club of Abuja, (The Grandfather), Rotarian Ukpoji James Arome, said, “Rotary is all about charity, giving back to society. From the Grandfathers Club, we chose to begin our Rotary year with this project in the Sheratti Kabusa community.
“We are supporting over 50 pregnant women with delivery kits to promote safe childbirth. We are diagnosing, preventing, and treating eye issues.
“For those in need of glasses, we have over 100 pairs available. For more serious cases, we have arranged surgeries at Asokoro District Hospital.”
He emphasised that all services were fully sponsored by the Rotary Club of Abuja, The Grandfather.
“This is not our first time, and will not be our last. Each Rotary year has seven focus areas. We began with maternal and child health. Next month, we will move on to other areas,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts, including poverty eradication and support for out-of-school children. “Early, do not limit ourselves; we go wherever needed.”
Meanwhile, Usman Haruna, the representative of the Chief of the Sheratti Kabusa community, commended the Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather) for bringing such impactful outreach to their community.
He prayed for God’s blessings upon the club and called on relevant government agencies to emulate the gesture, especially in vulnerable communities across the FCT.
